By registering with us, you'll be able to discuss, share and private message with other members of our community.
SignUp Now!In Nolan Smith, Payne signed the son of close friend and fellow U of L alum, Derek Smith, a program hero who played for the 1980 national championship team and died in 1996. Nolan Smith came from Duke, where he was an All-American point guard and starter for the 2010 NCAA Championship team before working on Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski’s staff, where he spent six years before joining Payne at Louisville.
But Smith was sensitive to criticism, had some contentious social media interactions with fans, and before the 2023-24 season interviewed with a G-League team, the Capital City GoGo. When athletics leadership concluded that Smith had been the source of a leak that resulted in national media reports saying Payne would be fired in December and Smith elevated to the head coaching job, Payne was advised to take the matter up with Smith.
Smith remained on the staff, and what measures Payne may have taken were not known. Similarly, after his first season, Payne declined to shake up his staff after finishing 4-28, even when advised to by Heird.
UConn just dismantling Xavier. Glad it’s a strong year at the top. Plenty of teams capable of stopping UNC out there, if it comes to that.
UConn just dismantling Xavier. Glad it’s a strong year at the top. Plenty of teams capable of stopping UNC out there, if it comes to that.
Honestly who do we feel good about against UNC? Houston and UCONN? Maybe Tennessee and Auburn? I don't think there's as many teams capable of stopping them as you think.